Quote by E. L. Doctorow
In the twentieth century one of the most personal relationships to have developed is that of the person and the state. It's become a fact of life that governments have become very intimate with people, most always to their detriment.
Summary
This quote suggests that in the twentieth century, the relationship between individuals and the state has become highly personal. Governments have intruded into people's lives, often leading to negative consequences for individuals. The rise of authoritarianism, surveillance, and government control has meant that citizens' personal liberties and well-being have been undermined. The quote highlights the common observation that governments' intimate involvement in people's lives has predominantly had adverse effects.